Motorized snowboard

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for propelling a user over snow. The invention in one embodiment couples a propulsion unit behind a platform such as a snowboard. The propulsion section and snowboard are interconnected by a joint providing multiple degrees of rotational freedom. Preferably, the interconnection further includes one or more springs.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/074,890, filed Oct. 26, 2001, which is incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to powered devices driven oversnow, and in particular, a powered snowboard.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] There are numerous designs for powered devices or “toys” forrecreational activity on snow. For example, there are snowmobiles, whichare a type of off-road vehicle designed and optimized for travel oversnow. There are some designs that attempt to provide motorized power toa person on a pair of snow skis. There are also designs for providingpower to a snow sled.

[0004] In any powered recreational device, it is important that thedevice include features for control of the direction of the device. Animble, easy to control recreational device will be both more fun andsafer for the user of the device.

[0005] The capabilities and/or complexity of the control features areproblems on many recreational snow devices. For example, some devicesare linked to a motorized propulsion unit such that there is little orno flexibility or pivoting ability of the propulsion unit relative tothe user platform. Yet other designs offer multiple degrees of freedombetween the user platform and the propulsion device, but provides thisin a relatively large, complex mechanism. Yet other designs allow forpivotal movement of the user platform relative to the propulsion device,but do not provide any mechanism for restoring alignment of the twodevices. What are needed are apparatus and methods which overcome thesefailings. The present design does this in a novel and unobvious way.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is anapparatus comprising a user platform and adapted and configured foraccepting a standing operator. The apparatus also includes a propulsionunit having an engine driving tracks adapted and configured forpropelling the propulsion unit and the user platform over snow. Theapparatus also includes a ball joint interconnecting the front of thepropulsion unit to the rear of the user platform. The apparatus alsoincludes a spring interconnecting the propulsion unit to the userplatform.

[0007] According to another embodiment of the present invention, thereis an apparatus comprising a user platform. The apparatus also includesa propulsion unit having an engine driving tracks adapted and configuredfor propelling the propulsion unit and the user platform over snow. Theapparatus also includes a first spring interconnecting the propulsionunit to the user platform and adapted and configured to apply a biasingforce along a first axis, and a second spring interconnecting thepropulsion unit to the user platform and adapted and configured to applya biasing force along a second axis, with the first axis beinghorizontally displaced from the second axis.

[0008] According to another embodiment of the present invention, thereis a method for propelling a platform over snow, comprising providing afront platform and a track-driven propulsion unit including an engine.The method also includes interconnecting the propulsion unit behind thefront platform so that the front platform can rotate relative to thepropulsion unit with at least two degrees of freedom. The method alsoincludes steering the front platform to cause rotation of the platformrelative to the propulsion unit. The method also includes biasing thepropulsion unit relative to the front platform in a direction to returnthe propulsion unit to a location behind the front platform.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the present invention, thereis an apparatus comprising a user platform having a front and a rear andadapted and configured for accepting an operator. The apparatus alsoincludes a propulsion unit having an engine adapted and configured forpropelling the propulsion unit and the user platform over snow. Theapparatus also includes a pivoted joint interconnecting the front of thepropulsion unit to the rear of the user platform, the joint permittingthe user platform to rotate about the propulsion unit with multipledegrees of freedom. The apparatus also includes a dampenerinterconnecting the propulsion unit to the user platform.

[0010] These and other objects and advantages of the present inventioncan be found in the description, drawings and claims to follow.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an apparatus according to oneembodiment of the present invention, with an operator.

[0012]FIG. 2 is a top front perspective view of a portion of theapparatus of FIG. 1.

[0013]FIG. 3 is a top, enlarged perspective view of a portion of theapparatus of FIG. 2.

[0014]FIG. 4 is a top, enlarged perspective view of a portion of anapparatus according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0015] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principlesof the invention, reference will now be made to the embodimentsillustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used todescribe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitationof the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations andfurther modifications in the illustrated devices, and such furtherapplications of the principles of the invention as illustrated thereinbeing contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art towhich the invention relates.

[0016] The present invention pertains to a user platform such as asnowboard which is coupled to a propulsion unit, such that thepropulsion unit can pivot or rotate relative to the platform. Theplatform and propulsion units are preferably coupled by a joint whichpermits the platform to pivot relative to the propulsion unit with threedegrees of rotational freedom (roll, pitch, and yaw). In otherembodiments, there is at least one spring which further interconnectsthe platform and propulsion section. Other embodiments include aplurality of interconnecting springs. The one or more springs areparticularly effective in providing a restoring force or restoringtorque to the propulsion section, such that the propulsion sectionrealigns itself relative to the user platform after making a pivotalmovement. These springs, acting as a biasing unit, assist in preventingjack-knifing of the propulsion unit.

[0017] The device is steered similar to the manner in which the platformis steered for those embodiments in which it is not powered by apropulsion unit, but rather is propelled downhill by gravity. For thoseembodiments in which the user platform is a snowboard, the device ismaneuvered when the user twists or turns his or her ankles, or shiftshis or her weight, such that the longitudinal axis of the board is nolonger aligned with the forward velocity vector, or such that the bottomplane or surface of the snowboard “digs” into the snow along one or moreof its edges. Such turning, twisting, and weight shifting changes theorientation of the snowboard relative to the propulsion device. Thischange in orientation is permitted by an interconnecting joint withmultiple degrees of freedom. However, the change in orientation isresisted by one or more springs which interconnect the two platforms. Asthe springs are compressed or extended, they provide a spring force thattends to restore the propulsion unit to its position aligned behind thesnowboard.

[0018] Although a snowboard is depicted and described, the presentinvention contemplates other types of user platforms which are pivotallycoupled to a propulsion unit. For example, the present invention furthercontemplates a snow sled interconnected to a propulsion unit andaccommodating a seated user. Other embodiments include interconnectionof a skateboard to a propulsion unit.

[0019] Further, although the present invention depicts and describes apropulsion unit that is a “pusher” type device, the present inventionfurther contemplates those embodiments in which the propulsion unit is a“puller” or tractor-type device. Further, although the present inventiondepicts and describes a propulsion unit that includes moving tracks, thepresent invention further contemplates those embodiments in which thepropulsion unit includes wheels, such as when powering a skateboard.

[0020] The invention concerns a three-part assembly for a motorizedsnowboard as best shown in FIG. 1. Assembly 20 includes a user platformor snowboard 30, a rear drive or propulsion section 40, and a centercoupling section 50 which mechanically connects sections 30 and 40. Reardrive section 40 is conventional, including a two cycle motor (notshown) which drives a pair of rubber treads 42. Other embodiments of thepresent invention includes other types of power devices, including fourcycle motors and electric motors. Snowboard 30 further includes fore andaft hand grips and/or control panels 32 and 34 which have sufficientrigidity for either providing stability to the user as a handhold orcontrol of the propulsion section.

[0021] Snowboard 30 and rear drive section 40 are connected by a centercoupling section 50 which permits three dimensional pivoting of a reardrive section 40 relative to snowboard 30. Coupling section 50 includesa vertical attachment plate 52 with a ball and socket joint 54. Balljoint 54 is attached to a rod 55 which extends from the front 41 ofdrive unit 40.

[0022] Coupling section 50 maintains drive unit 40 located behindplatform 30 and aligned to a preadjusted orientation relative toplatform 30. In a preferred embodiment, platform 30 is oriented directlybehind drive unit 40, such that the centerline of platform 30 and thecenterline of drive unit 40 are parallel. However, the present inventionalso contemplates those embodiments in which the centerlines are notparallel.

[0023] In some embodiments of the present invention, rod 55 couples tofront 41 of drive unit 40 with a lockable, pivoting coupling (notshown), such that drive unit 40 can be tilted upward, out of contactwith the snow, and locked in place in this tilted condition up to andincluding a vertical position. This locking coupling can include a pairof members each having a mating, knurled face which can be lockedtogether by a wingnut. One member is attached to front 41 of drive unit40 and the other member is attached to the rear end of rod 55. Byloosening the wingnut, the orientation of rod 55 relative to drive unit40 can be changed. tightening the wingnut couples the knurled facestogether and fixes the orientation of rod 55 relative to drive unit 40.In the tilted configuration, assembly 20 can be ridden down a hill as aconventional snowboard, without the drive unit coming into contact withthe snow.

[0024] Ball joint 54 permits pivoting of the user platform relative tothe propulsion section about any of axes X, Y, or Z. Further, thepresent invention preferably utilizes a ball joint, such that the X, Y,and Z axes of the three degrees of rotational freedom intersect at asingle point within the ball joint. In this preferred embodiment, thepivotal motion the platform relative to the propulsion section issimplified, and selection of appropriate springs interconnecting thesections is also simplified.

[0025] Rod 55 is fixed at a particular length by use of a setscrew orsimilar device. Four springs 56 are coupled by eyebolts (as best seen inFIGS. 2 and 3) to both vertical plate 52 and the front face of driveunit 40. The hooked ends of the springs are able to slide around theeyebolts, thus minimizing bending of the spring. However, the presentinvention contemplates any manner of interconnecting the springs to theplatform or propulsion section. A horizontal attachment plate 58 couplesvertical plate 52 to snowboard 30. The present invention furthercontemplates any manner for attaching the coupling section to the userplatform.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, one embodiment of coupling section isshown to include four springs 56 that are interconnected to plate 52 andthe front 41 of the propulsion section such that the springs are bothvertically and horizontally offset. For example, springs 56 a and 56 bare attached such that their endpoints are vertically offset (in the Zdirection). Further, the working axes along the centerlines of thesprings are also offset in the Z direction. Springs 56 c and 56 d aresimilarly arranged. Springs 56 bias the propulsion unit relative to theplatform to return them to their preadjusted orientation.

[0027] Further, top springs 56 a and 56 c are laterally offset from oneanother (in the Y direction). Both the ends of the springs and alsotheir centerline working axes are laterally displaced from one another.The similar description applies to bottom springs 56 b and 56 d.although coil springs have been shown and described, the presentinvention also contemplates those embodiments including any type ofbiasing element, including for example leaf springs, coil springs, andrubber bushings.

[0028]FIG. 3 further illustrates yet another preferred characteristic ofthe alignment of the springs interconnecting the platform and thepropulsion section. The centerlines of the springs are angled such that,if carried forward, they would intersect at one or more points in frontof the propulsion section. However, although a particular arrangement offour springs has been shown and described, the present inventioncontemplates the use of either fewer springs or more springs tointerconnect the platform and propulsion section. Further, the presentinvention contemplates those embodiments in which the springs arealigned in substantially parallel fashion, and also aligned such thattheir centerlines intersect at one or more points behind the userplatform.

[0029] In use, an operator stands upon snowboard 30 and holds onto handthrottle 34 to control power being delivered to treads 42. The operatoralso holds on with another hand to handle 32 to stabilize himself.Assembly 20 is propelled in a direction indicated by arrow 22.

[0030] The operator is able to steer assembly 20 by twisting or turninghis or her ankles, shifting his or her weight, or any other suitablemethod of steering. Snowboard 30 is able to quickly change itsorientation in response to these steering inputs because of theflexibility of center coupling section 50. Snowboard 30 can roll, pitchand yaw relative to rear drive section 40 because of ball joint 54.Further, springs 56 create a tendency for the rear drive unit 40 torealign itself with snowboard 30 after a turn is made. For example, whenturning to the left, the springs on the right side of theinterconnecting unit (along the outer part of the turn) extend. If theuser then decides to adopt a straight path, for instance, these extendedsprings will pull the propulsion unit back to its original position ofalignment behind the snowboard. Without the springs, there may not beany reliable force which works to restore propulsion unit 40 to itsoriginal aligned position.

[0031]FIG. 4 depicts an alternate embodiment of the present invention.In this embodiment, ball joint 54 is replaced by a universal coupling 60which permits two degrees of rotational freedom (around the Y and Zaxes). Further, shaft 62, which is rigidly attached to U-joint 60, isrotatingly received within the bore of a housing 64. Shaft 62 andU-joint 60 are thereby free to rotate about the X axis, therebyproviding three degrees of rotational freedom. In some embodiments,sleeve 62 and U-joint 60 are further permitted to translate in and outof the bore of housing 64, thus providing a fourth degree oftranslational freedom along the X axis.

[0032] The embodiment shown in FIG.4 further includes one or moredampeners or shock absorbers 68 a and 68 b which provide dampening ofthe motion of the user platform relative to the propulsion section.Referring to shock absorber 68 b, at its front end it is connected toplate 52 by a joint 70 a which permits at least one degree of rotationalfreedom, and preferably multiple degrees of rotational freedom and/orsliding. Interconnection 70 b between shock absorber 68 b and the frontface 41 of propulsion section 40 is preferably similarly constructed tofront joint 70 a. Other shock absorbers are similarly interconnected tothe platform and the propulsion section. Although what has been shownand described is the use of two shock absorbers laterally spaced apart,the present invention also contemplates those embodiments containingfewer or more shock absorbers, and also in which there is a verticaldisplacement between shock absorbers. Further, the present inventioncontemplates the use of shock absorbers which provide only a dampeningfunction, as well as shock absorbers which include a spring or biasingunit.

[0033] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detailin the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be consideredas illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understoodthat only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described andthat all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of theinvention are desired to be protected.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a snowboard having afront and a rear and adapted and configured for accepting a standingoperator; a propulsion unit being adapted and configured for propellingsaid propulsion unit and said snowboard over snow, said propulsion unithaving a front and a rear; a ball joint interconnecting the front ofsaid propulsion unit to the rear of said snowboard, said ball jointpermitting said snowboard to rotate about said propulsion unit with atleast two degrees of rotational freedom; and a spring interconnectingsaid propulsion unit to said snowboard.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1wherein said spring interconnects the front of said propulsion unit tothe rear of said snowboard, said spring being adapted and configured toapply a biasing force along a first axis, said ball joint beingrotational about a longitudinal axis, and the first axis is displacedfrom the longitudinal axis.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein saidball joint permits said snowboard to rotate about said propulsion unitwith at least three degrees of rotational freedom.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said spring is a coil spring.
 5. The apparatus of claim1 wherein said spring is a first spring adapted and configured to applya biasing force along a first axis, the apparatus further comprising asecond spring interconnecting the front of said propulsion unit to therear of said snowboard and adapted and configured to apply a biasingforce along a second axis, and a third spring interconnecting the frontof said propulsion unit to the rear of said snowboard and adapted andconfigured to apply a biasing force along a third axis, wherein thefirst axis is horizontally displaced from the third axis, and the secondaxis is vertically displaced from the third axis.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said spring has a length and a pair of opposing endsalong the length, one end being interconnected to said platform by afirst sliding joint and the other end being interconnected to saidpropulsion unit by a second sliding joint.
 7. An apparatus comprising: auser platform having a front and a rear and adapted and configured foraccepting a standing operator; a propulsion unit and being adapted andconfigured for propelling said propulsion unit and said platform, saidpropulsion unit having a front and a rear, the front of said propulsionunit being behind the rear of said platform; a first springinterconnecting said propulsion unit to said platform and adapted andconfigured to apply a biasing force along a first axis, and a secondspring interconnecting said propulsion unit to said platform and adaptedand configured to apply a biasing force along a second axis, wherein thefirst axis is horizontally displaced from the second axis.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 7 which further comprises a third springinterconnecting said propulsion unit to said platform and adapted andconfigured to apply a biasing force along a third axis, wherein thethird axis is vertically displaced from the second axis.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 7 which further comprises a ball jointinterconnecting the front of said propulsion unit to the rear of saidplatform.
 10. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said first springinterconnects the front of said propulsion unit to the rear of saidplatform, said second spring interconnects the front of said propulsionunit to the rear of said platform, and said third spring interconnectsthe front of said propulsion unit to the rear of said platform.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 7 which further comprises an interconnecting jointbetween the rear of said platform and the front of said propulsion unit,said interconnecting joint permitting rotation of said platform relativeto said propulsion unit about a first axis.
 12. The apparatus of claim 7which further comprises an interconnecting joint between the rear ofsaid platform and the front of said propulsion unit, saidinterconnecting joint permitting rotation of said platform relative tosaid propulsion unit about two axes.
 13. The apparatus of claim 7 whichfurther comprises a universal joint between the rear of said platformand the front of said propulsion unit, said interconnecting jointpermitting rotation of said platform relative to said propulsion unitabout three orthogonal axes.
 14. A method for propelling a platform oversnow, comprising: providing a front platform to accept the feet of astanding operator and a propulsion unit; interconnecting the propulsionunit behind the front platform so that the front platform can rotaterelative to the propulsion unit with at least two degrees of freedom;steering the front platform by movement of the feet to cause rotation ofthe platform relative to the propulsion unit; and biasing the propulsionunit relative to the front platform in a direction to return thepropulsion unit to a location behind the front platform.
 15. The methodof claim 14 wherein said biasing includes a spring.
 16. The method ofclaim 14 wherein said interconnecting is by a U joint.
 17. The method ofclaim 14 wherein said interconnecting is by a ball joint.
 18. The methodof claim 14 wherein the front platform is a snowboard and the propulsionunit is adapted and configured for propelling the front platform oversnow.
 19. The method of claim 14 wherein the front platform is askateboard and the propulsion unit is adapted and configured forpropelling the front platform over a roadway.
 20. An apparatuscomprising: a snowboard having a front and a rear and adapted andconfigured for accepting a standing operator; a propulsion unit drivingtracks adapted and configured for propelling said propulsion unit andsaid snowboard over snow, said propulsion unit having a front and arear; a ball joint interconnecting the front of said propulsion unit tothe rear of said snowboard, said ball joint permitting said snowboard torotate about said propulsion unit with three degrees of freedom; and adampener interconnecting said propulsion unit to said snowboard.
 21. Theapparatus of claim 19 wherein said dampener interconnects the front ofsaid propulsion unit to the rear of said snowboard, said dampener beingadapted and configured to apply a dampening force along a first axis,said ball joint being rotational about a longitudinal axis, and thefirst axis is displaced from the longitudinal axis.
 22. The apparatus ofclaim 19 wherein said dampener is a first dampener adapted andconfigured to apply a dampening force along a first axis, and whichfurther comprises a second dampener interconnecting the front of saidpropulsion unit to the rear of said snowboard and adapted and configuredto apply a dampening force along a second axis, said ball joint beingrotational about a longitudinal axis, and the first axis is horizontallydisplaced from the longitudinal axis, and the second axis is verticallydisplaced from the longitudinal axis.
 23. A method for propelling aplatform over snow, comprising: providing a platform to accept anoperator and a propulsion unit for the platform located behind saidplatform and aligned to an orientation relative to the platform;interconnecting the propulsion unit to the platform so that the platformcan pivot relative to the propulsion unit; and biasing the propulsionunit relative to the platform to return to the orientation after theplatform pivots relative to the propulsion unit.